Thimphu – Culture, Attractions & City Highlights

Bumthang is considered as the spiritual centre of Bhutan. The name itself refer to “the plain shaped like a bumpa”. Bumpa being a vase with a spout used for various Buddhist rituals and thus the name Bumthang. They say the roots of Buddhism in Bhutan grew from Bumthang Valleys. It was from here that Buddhism was spread to the other parts of Bhutan. You would literally feel the divinity when you set foot at the Bumthang Valley in Bhutan. The Buddhist chants from the monasteries nearby float through the thin air which invokes one’s spiritual side within. This gorgeous valley has a lot of legendary stories to tell which include the glorious tales of the Guru Rimpoche himself, the one who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. Numerous temples and monasteries dot this beautiful piece of land. Some are more than a thousand years old. Speaking about the landscape, the scenic valleys of Bumthang are better seen than said. Choekhor, the largest among the 4 primary valleys of Bumthang is the most beautiful and attracts travellers from all across the globe. Its relatively gentle terrain makes a perfect setting for short nature hikes. A stroll along the tranquil hamlets of Bumthang is another exciting way to explore the Bumthang Valley. Rice fields, potato farms, apple orchards, dairy farms and most of all, the ever welcoming people, you just cannot escape Bumthang with its captivating atmosphere.

One of the smallest among the 20 districts of Bhutan and the least visited, Haa is a hidden paradise. Head to the Haa valley to beat the crowd and have some quality time amidst the virgin hills of Bhutan. The forests are untouched, the mountains are lush green, air-unpolluted, people so welcoming, Haa has its own character. The unique feature of the Haa landscape is the gorgeous Haa Valley. It is a picture perfect setting for some exciting hikes or treks which expose you to some breath taking views of the ginormous Mount Jhomolhari.You will come across a lot of nomadic Yak herders here, a chance to get to know their unique lifestyle and culture. Also trying out the local cuisine of a destination is another way to dig deep into its rich culture and hence, do not miss the Haapi cuisine of Haa as well.The best way to experience Haa is by opting to stay in one of the local farmhouses and homestays. Take a stroll along its beautiful valleys, rice fields, potato farms, bite into some juicy apples, spend time with the farmers and lot more to do here. If you are looking for a laid back holiday with your family or friends, mark Haa in your travel radar.

As soon as you land at the Paro International airport you would feel as if you have time travelled to a city 100 years ago. Fresh unpolluted air, lush mountains and the smiles all around would immediately arouse a sense of peace in you. Your ears would be literally at rest without the hustle and bustle of the cities you are normally used to. Situated to the North Western part of Bhutan, Paro is considered as the gateway to this beautiful country for all the winged travellers across the globe. The only international airport in Bhutan is at Paro. At 2250 m above the sea level, the district of Paro spans across an area of 1259.5 sq kms and the total population being just over 12000 people. In-spite of all the modern city developments carried out, Paro still maintains its rustic nature. You would find lush green paddies, isolated farms and hamlets which dots the city of Paro. So unlike a city it seems. The beautiful and colourful houses of the Paro Valley built in their traditional Bhutanese style reflects the rich culture of Bhutan. A stroll along the gorgeous pathways of Paro is the best way to appreciate its pristine beauty. The city is home to gorgeous monasteries or Dzongs they call it, ginormous fortresses and mesmerizing mountain tops ideal for exciting hikes. The 5 day Paro Tsechu festival celebrated in the April month every year sees tens of thousands of people all across the globe flocking at Paro to take part in this grand cultural fiesta. Speaking about the best places to visit in Paro, the list is huge. We recommend to make a visit to the Rinpung Dzong, hike the Tiger Nest monastery, explore the streets of Paro, drive to Chelela Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and if you happen to visit Paro during the Tsechu Festival, you are in for a grand cultural treat.

The first capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the city of Punakha has a special spot in the history books of Bhutan. For 300 years, this beautiful city located at 4430 feet above the sea level was the country’s winter capital. Initially a Dzong [monastery] was built in the Punakha village during the 17th century AD. Later it expanded to become a lively city and the seat of the king. The Punakha Dzong houses the most sacred relic that the Shabdrung Namgyal [the one who unified the whole country of Bhutan] brought himself from Tibet. This Dzong is a spectacular piece of Bhutanese architecture which stands on a small strip of land at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers. Apart from the Punakha Dzong, out of all the best places to visit in Punakha, the Chimi Lhakhang Temple tops the list. It is also known as the temple of fertility. The temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the famous Divine Madman who with his rather revolutionary way of teaching changed the whole perspective of practicing Buddhism. Couples from all over the World who suffer from infertility come here for blessings. It is said that by doing certain rituals here the couples are blessed with a child very soon. For the adventure junkies, Punakha offers some splendid hiking routes to the mountain tops like the Mendegang Hike, Gilligang Hike and the Nobgang Hike. River rafting across the Mo River is another exhilarating activity that tops the checklist of the adventure activities in Bhutan. Punakha also boasts of the longest suspension bridge in in Bhutan.

Better say the Bhutanese military headquarters of the ancient times, Trongsa has served well for the Kingdom of Bhutan. Thanks to its strategic position. The city is located in the Central Bhutan area and is popular for The Trongsa Dzong. It is built over a steep ridge which stands high amidst deep valleys which surrounds it. For the same reason, it was strategically helpful in the past to monitor any enemy movements or threat. It is a tradition in Bhutan that before being the King, one has to serve as the governor here at this near 400 year old Trongsa Dzong or fortress. Apart from the Trongsa Dzong, there is a museum which displays artifacts related to the history of the royal Wangchuk family of Bhutan. The museum structure once served as the watchtower of the Trongsa Dzong before being converted into a museum. The Chendebje Chorten and the Kuenga Rabten Palace are two of the other major attractions in Trongsa.

Wangdue Phodrang is Known for its diverse landscapes which comprise of chilly snow-capped mountains of the North to hot subtropical forests in the South, the district of Wangdue Phodrang has something for every traveller to cheer for. Monks, monasteries, majestic mountains, thick jungle, bustling wildlife and picturesque valleys and what not? It is also popular for its rare Red Pandas, Blue Sheep, Snow Leopards and birds like the Black Necked Cranes and white bellied herons. Beautiful orchids, Rhodonderons and Blue Poppies add more colours to its landscapes. Wangdue Phodrang also boasts of the famous Phobjikha Valley, perhaps the most beautiful valley in whole Bhutan. Spectacular chain of verdant mountains clubbed with shimmering streams and dense woods, the Phobjikha Valley is a favourite haunt for many winged travellers all across the globe. It is also home to the endangered species of Black Necked Cranes which migrate to this part of the World every year during the winters. You have plenty of adventure options here such as hiking, biking, bird watching and more. The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Jigme Singye Wangchuk National park and the serene villages of Gasleo and Nahee are some of the other prime attractions of Wangdue Phodrang.